Imagine coming home after a long day, craving a meal that’s both comforting and effortlessly elegant. One Pot Chicken and Orzo is the ultimate answer, combining tender chicken, creamy orzo, fragrant herbs, and a handful of bright greens in one fabulous pan. The beauty of this dish is its simplicity: all the flavors meld together as it simmers, leaving you with a creamy, savory dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of fresh, everyday ingredients to make something truly special. Each element in this One Pot Chicken and Orzo recipe brings its own magic, from adding flavor depth to creating the signature creamy finish.
- Chicken thighs: Tender and juicy, these become the savory heart of the dish and hold up beautifully during simmering.
- Olive oil: For perfectly golden chicken and to start building those tasty pan flavors.
- Onion: Adds sweetness and depth, forming a flavorful base for the whole meal.
- Garlic: Infuses the orzo and chicken with irresistible aromatic notes.
- Orzo pasta: Small, rice-shaped pasta that absorbs all the rich flavors and turns creamy as it cooks.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Provides savory body without making things too salty.
- Heavy cream: Gives that luscious, creamy texture everyone loves in One Pot Chicken and Orzo.
- Dried oregano: Adds classic Mediterranean flavor and a herby aroma.
- Salt: Enhances all the savory components of the dish.
- Black pepper: Lends gentle warmth and subtle spice to balance the creaminess.
- Baby spinach: Brightens the whole meal with freshness and a pop of color.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce for nutty, salty richness and creaminess.
- Lemon juice: A splash of citrus that lifts and brightens every bite.
- Chopped fresh parsley: The perfect garnish for color, freshness, and flair when serving.
How to Make One Pot Chicken and Orzo
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Start by heating olive oil in your biggest skillet or a sturdy Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chicken thighs and let them sizzle, cooking until they’re lightly browned and fully cooked, about 5 to 6 minutes. This step locks in juicy flavor and gives the chicken irresistible golden edges. Once cooked, scoop the chicken from the pan and set it aside—you’ll reunite everything soon.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Without even rinsing the pan (all those tasty bits stay put!), add in the diced onion. Let it soften and become a little translucent, about 2–3 minutes. Then, toss in the minced garlic, letting it dance for just 30 seconds until wildly fragrant. This forms the aroma-rich foundation of your soon-to-be favorite One Pot Chicken and Orzo.
Step 3: Toast the Orzo
Stir in your uncooked orzo and let it toast gently with the onion and garlic for 1–2 minutes. This little trick brings out the nutty flavor of the pasta and ensures it soaks up maximum flavor from the pan.
Step 4: Simmer with Broth and Cream
Pour in the chicken broth, followed by the heavy cream. Sprinkle in dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Give everything a good stir, then bring the whole pot to a soft simmer. Nestle the browned chicken pieces back in. Cover the pan, and let the One Pot Chicken and Orzo bubble gently for 8–10 minutes. Give it the occasional stir, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has absorbed into creamy perfection.
Step 5: Finish with Spinach, Parmesan, and Lemon
Now, for the final flourish: stir in a big handful of baby spinach, the grated Parmesan, and a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice. Three simple additions, but wow do they make the flavors pop! The spinach just wilts, the Parmesan melts to create a dreamy sauce, and the lemon juice brings everything to life.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Spoon the hot One Pot Chicken and Orzo into bowls and shower each serving with fresh chopped parsley. Each bite is creamy, cozy, and packed with flavor. Serve it up while it’s still steaming for the very best experience!
How to Serve One Pot Chicken and Orzo
Garnishes
A finishing touch of fresh parsley really makes the colors in this dish pop. For even more sparkle, sprinkle an extra pinch of Parmesan or grate a little lemon zest on top just before serving. It’s amazing how these simple garnishes complement the creamy base and keep things bright and lively.
Side Dishes
Honestly, One Pot Chicken and Orzo can shine all by itself, but if you want a full spread, serve it with a crisp green salad or roasted veggies. Warm, crusty bread is a perfect match, ideal for scooping up saucy bites or wiping the plate clean!
Creative Ways to Present
Sometimes, a little presentation goes a long way. Try serving your One Pot Chicken and Orzo in individual bowls with a lemon wedge, or pile it up family-style on a big platter for a centerpiece moment. You can also portion it into smaller ramekins for a dinner party twist—everybody loves their own special serving!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Stash any leftover One Pot Chicken and Orzo in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors get even richer after a day, making tomorrow’s lunch a real treat. Aim to enjoy leftovers within three days for the best taste and freshness.
Freezing
While orzo dishes are best fresh, you can absolutely freeze One Pot Chicken and Orzo. Cool the dish completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for a creamy, flavorful meal.
Reheating
Gently reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen things up and restore creaminess. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring between each, to warm everything evenly without drying it out.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breast works well if you prefer a leaner cut, though thighs tend to stay juicier as they simmer. Just be sure not to overcook the breast pieces to keep them tender.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
For a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or even whole milk. The final texture will be a bit less rich, but the dish still comes together beautifully.
Can I add extra vegetables?
Definitely! Mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or chopped bell peppers make delicious additions to One Pot Chicken and Orzo. Stir them in with the onions or spinach to get everything just right.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The classic version isn’t gluten-free due to the orzo, but you can replace the orzo with a gluten-free pasta or even cooked rice for a similar creamy, cozy result.
How can I make it vegetarian?
Leave out the chicken and use vegetable broth. You can boost protein with chickpeas or white beans stirred in, and add extra veggies for a delicious vegetarian One Pot Orzo.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving comfort with a Mediterranean twist, make One Pot Chicken and Orzo your next dinner adventure. I promise: from the aroma to the creamy spoonfuls, this will be a recipe you return to again and again. Gather your favorite people, grab your biggest pan, and enjoy every bite!
Print
One Pot Chicken and Orzo Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This One Pot Chicken and Orzo recipe is a comforting and creamy dish that is perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner. Tender chicken pieces, orzo pasta, and spinach are cooked together in a flavorful broth, finished with a touch of cream and Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
Other Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 2 1/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup baby spinach
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Cook chicken until browned and cooked through. Set aside.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: In the same pan, cook onion until softened. Add garlic and cook.
- Add Orzo and Broth: Toast orzo, then pour in broth, cream, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer.
- Combine Ingredients: Return chicken to the pan, cover, and simmer until orzo is tender.
- Finish Dish: Stir in spinach, Parmesan, and lemon juice until creamy. Garnish with parsley.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream.
- Enhance with mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 470
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 440mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
